Television is going digital
What changes television viewers may have to make and when
7:02 a.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Starting the new year means we're less than 14 months away from the television industry completely switching over to digital signals. All U.S broadcast TV stations are scheduled to convert to digital signals by February 17, 2009. But, people who use analog televisions to get over-the-air broadcasts won't be able to see those digital signals, unless they use a converter box. To get a coupon you can call 1-888-388-2009 or log on to the at dtv.gov.
If you have a digital set and get digital over the air signals already your set. But, if you don't how do you know if you already have a digital TV or if you need to make adjustments, the answer is a bit confusing. Your best bet is to check your owners manual or the informational material that came with your television. Look for labels that say the words "integrated digital tuner," "digital tuner built-in," "digital receiver" or "digital tuner." Also, "DTV," "ATSC" or "HDTV" markings will also indicate you will be able to view digital over the air programming without a converter box.
Related story
Find out why the government is making the digital transition and more on who will be affected in this story.
Related links and coupon info
All U.S broadcast TV stations are scheduled to convert to digital signals by February 17, 2009. But, people who use analog televisions to get over-the-air broadcasts won't be able to see those digital signals, unless they use a converter box. To get a coupon you can call 1-888-388-2009 or log on to the at dtv.gov. For more information log on to fcc.gov.
Unfortunately even if your television is labeled as a digital monitor, HDTV monitor or digital or HD ready that doesn't mean it contains a digital tuner. To be absolutely sure if your television is capable with out a converter box, check the manufacturer name and model number and contact an electronics retailer or the manufacturer themselves.
To find your televisions model number check the back. We did some checking to see if some of our televisions were digital ready. We just went to the manufacturers Web site which in this case was JVC and typed in the model number in their search function. The particular television we searched for did not have a digital tuner. But, we did find several television that says specifically, digital tuner in its description.
Good news for those of you who just bought new TV's for Christmas. All televisions imported into the US or shipped in interstate commerce, after March 15, 2007 must contain a digital tuner. Retailers can still sell analog only devices from stock only but they must be sold with a Consumer Alert Label as an advisory.
You can find all the information you need on the change at dtv.gov and fcc.gov
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